Fastener for use with shoes

ABSTRACT

A fastener device to replace laces in shoes, sneakers and boots of the type having eyelets allows for decorative ornamentation, ease of installation and security. In a preferred embodiment, each of two vertical mounting members placed inside the each of the two opposing eyelets fit into vertical cavities in each of two curved stop ends of a first mating member, the curved stop ends connected together by an elastomeric member that is received to each of the curved stop end&#39;s horizontal cavity at its proximal end to create a sturdy connection, but one that is removable when desired with enough force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fasteners for shoes, sneakersand boots, and more particularly to a simple, inexpensive, safe andfashionable substitute for shoe laces in which the shoes can be worn andtaken off without the need to remove the fasteners of the presentinvention.

Since the inception of the use of inelastic lace for shoes, there havebeen numerous attempts at developing an easier and better way to fastenthem.

There have been a number of attempts to combine various elements inorder to arrive at an inexpensive, fashionable, easy to use system tofasten footwear to the user's foot.

Recent US patents do improve the art substantially but have flaws whichthe current invention overcomes.

The Gentry patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439) uses a number of elasticstrips, each of which have fasteners at both ends. Pins, rivets or hooksare used to hold the ends of the strips in the eyelets. The primaryimpediment to the Gentry reference is the difficulty of installation andease in which the fasteners can work out of their attachments.

The Fortune reference (U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,826) is more current and usesa system similar to Gentry but improves it. Fortune uses a cylindricalsegment having a longitudinal appendage extending from it. The primarydrawbacks of Fortune are that the longitudinal member cannot be changedand the connection will be subject to release due to lateral andvertical pressures. In addition there is a minimal holding area for thelongitudinal member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of this invention is to propose a fastening devicethat delivers properly apportioned fastening tension.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that is simplefor the user to install and use.

Another object of this invention is to allow for a simple exchange ofthe longitudinal member for other colors or designs.

In the first embodiment, used primarily on running shoes, a lateralcolumn type fabric holder is used for the standard laces. A hook likedevice as shown on FIG. 1 is inserted in the interior of the cylindricallace holder and the other end is inserted in the opposing cylindricallace holder, each being connected with a rubberized or elasticizedbungee of varying width, color and design. See FIG. 1A.

In another embodiment for use in shoes, boots and sneakers with opposingcircular eyelets, a first mating member having a thin cylindrical shaftwith vertical apertures is inserted from the bottom through the circulareyelets in opposing eyelets. A second mating member with two endsseparated by elastometric bungee of varying width, color or design isattached by depressing the top of each end of the second mating memberon the vertical shaft.

The mating members will be made of a resilient material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 2 there is shown a shoewith successive opposing cylindrical lace holders. Shown in position onsuch lace holders is the subject matter of the invention of the firstembodiment.

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 7 there is shown a shoehaving successive horizontal eyelets. Shown in position on such eyeletsis the subject matter of the invention of the second embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 3 from the top view, the noticeable externalfeatures of the invention for fastening shoes, sneakers and boots arethe curved stop ends and the central segment of elastomeric materialwhich can be ornamentally designed.

With reference to FIG. 4 a first mating member is illustrated whichcomprises an elongated curved segment having a covered longitudinalaperture sown as segment 5 extending partially through. An elastomericshaft (segment 6) extends radially outwardly from the opposite end ofthe first mating member.

The internal portion of the first mating member contains a cavity inwhich the distal end of the vertical mounting post is inserted and theincreased diameter segments of such vertical post will be engaged in thecavity of the first retaining member. Thus, the first retaining memberis adapted to be engaged onto and over the enlarged segments of thevertical post.

Both retaining members should be made of a molded resilient plasticmaterial.

A second mating member (FIG. 7) consists of a vertical mounting postwhich extends from a cylindrical shaped flange. The vertical post willbe of such diameter that it will fit securely through the eyelets in theshoe. The mounting post has a uniform diameter throughout its lengthexcept for two increased diameter segments (Segment 10 and 11) along itslength. The purpose of such increased diameter segments is to secure thefirst mating member and the second mating member by the user pushingvertically on the top fo the first mating member. Once the cylindricalaperture (8) of the first mating member is installed on the mountingpost of the second mating member, the first mating member will staysecurely in place. However, by the exertion of vertical and lateralforce, the two members may be separated without damage.

What has been discussed above is the preferred embodiment of the instantinvention. It should be appreciated that the invention may be embodiedotherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and withinsuch embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangementfo the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principlesof this invention.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A fastener assembly for use with footwear of the typehaving opposing circular eyelets, comprising: a series of fastenerelements, each fastener element comprising a first mating membercomprising two curved stop ends, each of the curved stop ends having adistal end and a proximal end, and also comprising one elastomericmember having two ends, the elastomeric member positioned between theproximal ends of the two curved stop ends, two second mating memberscomprising a vertical post having a flange located at a bottom portionof the vertical post, a first area of enlarged diameter located at a topof the vertical post and a second area of enlarged diameter located atan intermediate position of the vertical post, each curved stop end alsohaving a curved top surface resembling a top surface of an upside downspoon, each curved stop end also containing at its distal end a verticalcavity for receipt of the vertical post, said vertical cavity havingannexed thereto spaces for receipt of the first and second areas ofenlarged diameter of the vertical post, each curved stop end also havingat its proximal end a hollow lateral cavity to receive in a lockablecondition one end of the elastomeric member, the first and second areasof enlarged diameter shaped so as to make it easy to insert the verticalpost into the vertical cavity of the first mating member and difficultto remove said vertical post from the vertical cavity of said firstmating member without direct vertical and lateral tugging by a wearer.10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein the vertical post issubstantially cylindrical.
 11. The fastener assembly of claim 9, whereinthe lateral cavity is annular.
 12. The fastener assembly of claim 9,wherein the first area of enlarged diameter of the vertical post has atop surface that is decorated with a unique color and/or design.
 13. Thefastener assembly of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric member isdecorated with a unique color and/or design.
 14. The fastener assemblyof claim 9, wherein the top surface of the curved stop end of the firstmating member is decorated with a unique color and/or design.
 15. Afastener assembly for use with running shoes of the type having pairs ofopposing fabric loops on each side of the running shoe, comprising: aseries of fastener elements, each fastener element comprising a firsthook having a free curved distal end for insertion into a first fabricloop of two opposing fabric loops and having a hollow cavity at aproximal end, a second hook having a free curved distal end forinsertion into a second fabric loop of the two opposing fabric loops andhaving a hollow cavity at a proximal end, an elongated elastomericmember having a first end detachably connected into the hollow cavity ofthe first hook and having a second end detachably connected into thehollow cavity of the second hook.
 16. The fastener assembly of claim 15,wherein the elastomeric member is decorated with a unique color and/ordesign.